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Facebook says it should not have to face antitrust allegations from 46 state attorneys general in a pair of motions filed today urging a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
The Facebook antitrust lawsuit, filed in a Washington D.C. federal court in December, accuses the social media giant of maintaining a monopoly that harms users and advertisers. In addition to the 46 states, Guam and the District of Columbia joined the lawsuit, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Although this is not a class action lawsuit, billions of consumers use Facebook, along with millions of advertisers — Top Class Actions will continue to monitor this story to keep viewers informed.
In one of its motions to dismiss, Facebook targets claims made by the FTC, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The consumer protection agency “utterly ignores the reality of the dynamic, intensely competitive high-tech industry in which Facebook operates,” state court documents.
Facebook also argues that the states’ claims are unsubstantiated, reportedly pointing out in its other motion that it has not hiked the price of the free service nor has the quality of the ubiquitous social media site declined as a result of Facebook’s acquisition of potential competitors, like Instagram and WhatsApp.
In its motion, Facebook also reportedly argues that the states waited too long to take legal action.
The Facebook antitrust lawsuit contends that the social media giant has sought to create an illegal monopoly by purchasing emerging social media companies, rather than competing. The company bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 with an FTC blessing, according to the Wall Street Journal, but now the agency says that Facebook has used these purchases to stifle competition.
The lawsuit claims that Facebook has worked for a decade to solidify its place in the lives of billions of users — along with offering “highly targeted advertising” to companies hoping to tap this massive market.
The states point out in their lawsuit that the more information Facebook can get about its users through clicks, comments, and views, the more advertising space it can sell to marketers and the more money it makes. As a result, argues the antitrust lawsuit, Facebook has an incentive to stop potential competitors.
In addition to harming users of the free service, the antitrust lawsuit also alleges that marketers are now beholden to Facebook.
Do you think Facebook should face these antitrust claims? Tell us in the comment section below.
The plaintiffs are represented by their respective attorneys general.
The Facebook Antitrust Lawsuit is State of New York, et al. v. Facebook Inc., Case No. unknown, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
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5 thoughts onFacebook Wants To Delete the Massive Antitrust Lawsuit Filed by 46 States
YES I DO!!!
I think Facebook definitely does flagrantly violate anti-trust laws, add me
These at me
I think Facebook flagrantly violates anti-trust laws and should be held accountable. Please include me in any class action suit against them.
Most definitely! FB gets away with too much. They over use their power. Go get em!!!